Blog | You can Peel the difference...

What are peels?

Some people may find the word peel a little daunting, especially if you’ve watched a programme called 10 years younger!

There are lots of different types of acids which help with lots of different skin concerns. Some peels are more superficial, and some peels are deeper resurfacing. 

Each peel will contain one or more acids to help with the specific skin concern, as well as vitamins and antioxidants.

Here are a few of our favourite peels and what they do....

EnerPeel MA

An effective peel which contains 40% mandelic acid - helping to reduce vascular rosacea and thread veins, whilst leaving your skin with minimal redness. This peel can also be used just before microneedling. Double whammy! This works best with sensitive, redness or Rosacea prone skin.

Obagi Blue Peel radiance

An effective, salicylic acid-based facial peel that exfoliates and helps improve overall complexion. It also contains Glycolic acid and lactic acid. It provides tighter, smoother, brighter-looking skin after just 1 use! Best for anti-ageing, fine lines and wrinkles, rough, uneven skin, blemishes and mild to moderate sun damage.

The Perfect Peel

The unique, blended formula combines numerous super-acids, vitamins and minerals to create quite literally the perfect peel!

• Azelaic acid - Good for breakouts and post inflammatory pigmentation.
  

• Glycolic acid - Minimise the appearance of wrinkles, smooths skin and hydrates.
  

• Trichloroacetic acid - Stimulates collagen production, minimises fine line, helps reverse signs of sun damage, and helps to reduce pigmentation.
  

• Kojic acid - This acid is able to penetrate your skin and stop the production of melanin, which makes it an excellent spot-fading treatment as well as helping prevent browning in those areas you want to keep looking fresh! I t also acts as an antioxidant, is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.

And if that wasn’t enough, the perfect peel also contains Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant best known for repairing damaged skin cells and skin brightening; hyaluronic acid, for deep hydration, and arbutin which is a natural brightening agent.

So how do they feel?

Surprisingly more relaxing than you’d think!

Depending on the type of acid being used and skin condition being targeted depends on the peel sensation. Some peels feel like a mild to moderate tingling on the skin and others are a little more spicy, shall we say.

It also depends how many layers are being applied and your tolerance to acids on your skin. If you're used to using acids and vitamins on your skin the sensation will likely be much more comfortable.

Most people will find peels completely tolerable, even the spicier ones! But if this is what’s putting you off taking the plunge, then here at Allure we have a little hand held fan which takes the edge off!

Did you know you can have peels in other areas than your face?

Chemical peels are usually performed on the face, but may also be used on the neck, décolleté, back and hands!

So if you're struggling with post inflammatory pigment on your back from old acne, or even active acne, then a peel is for you.

Is there any downtime?

Depending on the peel being used, downtime can range from light exfoliation and dryness to full blown shedding and peeling.

Everyone’s skin will respond differently to peels, and each peel will cause different degrees of peeling or flakiness.

But one thing we know for certain is that if there is any downtime, it is 100% worth it for the results!

How many will I need?

The number of peels needed will depend on the skin concern.

As we all know ageing is something we can’t get away from. If we are treating ageing you can treat every 4 weeks to keep skin bright and glowing, or every few months if skin doesn’t need as much upkeep.

If we are treating spot prone skin or acne prone skin, treatments tend to need to be more regular, due to hormone changes and oil production in the skin which is usually the main causes for spots and acne. Many people will have 2 or 3 peels every 4 weeks to get skin to the best condition and then maintain results every few months when and if needed.

When we are looking to improve pigmentation or sun/photo damaged skin, treatments will need to be regular to start with until desired skin texture and tone is achieved. As pigmentation is usually caused by sun exposure, which sometimes can’t be avoided, you may find when the summer months come around or you have a holiday, you may need a few peels close together to combat the pigmentation production.

Chemical peels are a safe, easy and relatively low downtime way to achieve glowing skin, and remember taking care of your skin is an investment into your general well being.

If you’d like to try a chemical peel or have any questions you’d like to ask, please let us know. 

| Allure Aesthetics